A little depth can go a long way in tennis. Stonewall Jackson's girls tennis team is living proof.
The Generals have struggled at times this season at the top part of the lineup, but the bottom part of their ladder has been strong, as the team climbed all the way to the Region B semifinals. Stonewall Jackson plays host to Clarke County today in the Region B semifinals at 5 p.m.
"Our three, four, five and six have just been really strong and consistent all year," Stonewall Jackson coach Cindy Wilkins said. "We've had a lot of matches where it's been over before doubles."
Sonja Borges has lost only one match in singles play, and she and teammate Amy Bankert are undefeated together in doubles.
"It's a great feeling," Borges said. "We work really well together."
The team has come a long way since last year, when the Generals didn't win a match.
This season Stonewall Jackson is 7-3 and went 7-1 in the Shenandoah District to win the regular-season title.
The Generals have many players back from last season's squad, and even the players have been surprised by the team's success this season.
"At the beginning of the year, I don't think anyone expected us to do this well," said Stonewall's No. 1 player, Katelyn Linski. "I think everyone's really improved."
Along with Linski, the top six is made up of Valerie Neese (No. 2), Ashton Kipps (No. 3), Borges (No. 4), Melanie Hovatter (No. 5) and Bankert (No. 6).
Stonewall Jackson has four seniors in the top six, and the entire team is very close.
"Everybody on the team cheers for everybody else," Linski said. "We have good team camaraderie."
Stonewall Jackson is making its first Region B appearance in at least 20 years. The Generals are very familiar with their opponents in the semifinals, though.
Clarke County beat Stonewall Jackson twice this season by scores of 7-2 and 5-2. The two previous meetings were 10-game pro-sets, but this time they will play best two-out-of-three sets, which could work to Stonewall Jackson's advantage. The Generals are confident the third time could be their charm.
"I definitely think we can beat them," Hovatter said. "They have a good team. We just have to play well and work well together and see what happens."
Added Bankert: "I think we have a good chance to beat them. The last match we played against them, it was really windy. I think things could be different this time."
Both Linski and Neese played for Stonewall Jackson's volleyball team that went all the way to the Group A state semifinals in the fall. The two are hoping the tennis team gets on a roll much like that team.
"Going to states in volleyball was pretty cool," Neese said. "To go to states there and then go to regionals in tennis is really nice."
Added Linski: "To only lose one match in the district has just been amazing. It's a great way to end my sports career at Stonewall Jackson."
